WORCESTER—City officials announced on Tuesday the latest American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant awards from its Cultural Organization Grant Program, designed to help nonprofit arts and culture organizations recover from the economic impacts of the pandemic. Applications from eligible organizations were accepted earlier this year.
“We are proud to support our arts and culture partners,” said City Manager Eric D. Batista in a statement. “Creative expression and cultural offerings play a vital role in the health and well-being of our community.”
A 2017 study commissioned by the city and the Worcester Cultural Coalition estimated that the arts and culture sector generates more than $125 million annually in economic impact for Worcester.
“The pandemic dealt a heavy blow to our creative community, leaving deep scars,” said Cultural Development Officer Fabian Barracks in a statement. “These relief grants are more than financial aid—they’re a lifeline to help rebuild and sustain the vibrant cultural landscape that defines Worcester. Together, we’ll ensure that our arts continue to inspire and unite us.”
Grant applications were reviewed by city staff and the ARPA Creative Economy Committee, with awards based on the established criteria focusing on the pandemic’s negative and disproportionate impacts. The city allocated a total of $2.95 million to the program from its ARPA budget.
The following received ARPA Cultural Organization grants:
- EcoTarium: $125,000
- Hanover Theatre: $125,000
- Mechanics Hall: $125,000
- Worcester Art Museum: $125,000
- Mass Symphony Orchestra / Tuckerman Hall: $125,000
- Worcester Center for Crafts: $120,000
- Pakachoag Music School: $120,000
- Technocopia: $120,000
- Joy of Music Program: $120,000
- Music Worcester: $120,000
- Worcester Historical Museum: $120,000
- American Antiquarian Society: $110,000
- Arts Worcester: $110,000
- Creative Hub: $110,000
- WCUW Radio: $95,000
- Worcester Youth Orchestra: $95,000
- Crocodile River Music: $80,000
- Worcester Children’s Chorus: $80,000
- Worcester Chamber Music Society: $80,000
- Preservation Worcester: $80,000
- Worcester Youth Center: $60,000
- The Village Afrocentric Cultural Center: $60,000
- Pride Productions: $60,000
- Worcester County Poetry Association: $60,000
- Worcester Caribbean Am. Carnival Assoc.: $40,000
- Salisbury Singers: $40,000
- Guardians of Tradition: $40,000
- Worcester Community Light Opera Co.: $40,000
- Centro: $40,000
- Jubilee Career Center for Performing Arts: $40,000
- Southeast Asian Coalition: $40,000
- Edward Street Child Services: $40,000
- Boys and Girls Club: $30,000
- OurStory Edutainment: $20,000
- Liberian Association of Worcester: $20,000
- Studio Theatre Worcester: $20,000
- African Community Cultural Center: $20,000
- 4th Wall Stage Company: $20,000
- Mass Audubon – Broad Meadow Brook: $20,000
- Master Singers of Worcester: $20,000
- Clemente Course Worcester: $20,000
- Latino History Project: $15,000
